
As for the seasonal outlook for Belg 2024, the country is likely to be most of the recent and prognostic products are indicting the likelihood of continuing of ENSO Positive and IOD-Neutral episodes will dominate the performance of Belg 2024. Hence, it has positive contribution for the wet moisture performance of rainfall during the upcoming Belg season. In this regard, In view of the prevailing and projected climate scenarios, Belg 2024 season is anticipated to dominate above normal seasonal rain across the south and southeastern regions, where Belg is the main rainy season. Accordingly, Southern part of Somali, Southern Oromia, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia and Southwest Ethiopia regions will receive extremely above normal rainfall which will have expected probability of increase the chance of getting good moisture and highly favorable for livestock fodder, forages and drinking water as well as good opportunity for water harvesting for moisture stress areas. Moreover the expected normal to above normal rainfall is anticipated to dominate across much of northern, north-eastern, central and north-western Ethiopia. Including the forecasted early onset and late cessation of the season across Belg rain benefiting portion of the country is expected to be favorable for early land preparation and the timely planting of Belg crops and increase the chance of length of growing period (LGP) of Belg crops as well as long cycle crops which were planted during April and May. In the positive aspect this may favors early planted of Belg crops so as to meet their daily water need. However, most places under above rainfall category are will get excesses moisture, the expected above average rainfall may cause saturation of soil moisture and leading to water logging, soil erosion, weed infestation, and fungus driven crop diseases. Moreover, due to longer wet spells, application of inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides may become difficult to apply. The major challenge for areas under above average category is excessive moisture. To cope up this challenge, farmers are advised to select excess moisture tolerant crop varieties for planting. In addition, they should clear the existing drainage channels as well as preparing new drainage structure, if it is required, to drain out excessive moisture from crop fields. Farmers are also advised for getting themselves ready for managing the possible infestation of weed and fungus driven crop disease. To minimize the risk related to flood, early preparation of diverting the runoff to the normal path of the stream flow is recommended. Generally the following agro meteorological practice is recommended based on the Tercile rainfall category over much of Belg rain benefiting area expected Normal to above normal rainfall category so the farmers to practices. Select appropriate high yielding varieties; Proper land and water management; Intensive water harvest, Select Excess water tolerant crops varieties/cultivars, Prepare drainage structure to drain out excess water, Postpone fertilizer application, weed infestation, Early preparation for protecting soil erosion, Rehabilitating the available drainage systems or establishing new drainage structure, Divert excess water to the normal path of their stream flow, proper input should be utilized, regular visit of the crop farm is recommended and watch desert locust outbreak and regularly updated agro meteorological information.